Gujarat came up with its new solar power policy on 13th August 2015, which would be operative up to March 31, 2020. This new policy intends to facilitate and promote large scale promotion of the solar power generation capacities in the state and the interests of all the investors, developers, consumers and various other stakeholders.

-Any company or group of individuals shall be eligible for setting up a solar generating plant, irrespective of whether they or not fall under REC mechanism in accordance with Electricity Act 2003.

-There are project based provisions and incentives provided for Rooftop solar PV systems with net metering depending on the type of consumers. The same are listed in the table below (Click on the table for a larger view) :

The state is blessed with several natural resources of energy that augments its renewable energy growth. Through its proactive planning on capacity addition front it has successfully managed to eliminate the demand supply deficit. In sync with the solar power policy the Government has also launched the Industrial Policy 2015, through which Government would encourage private participation in all energy generation to meet the growing demands in the state.

Kerala is the latest state to join the league of states (TN,AP,Gujarat,MP, Rajasthan) which have final state solar energy policies in place. On 25th Nov 2013, the state finalized its state solar policy. The following are the highlights of the policy:

Kerala aims to have an installed capacity of 500 MW till 2017 and of 2500 MW by 2030. The policy will remain in force till any further solar energy policy is introduced.

Net-metering is available for all agencies that consume grid power and have some solar installations with govt. subsidies. KSERC will notify the pooled cost of power purchase and feed-in-tariff for procurement by KSEB.

Solar procurement obligation (SPO) is mandated for all HT/EHT consumers to the tune of 0.25 % till March 2015 (with annual increase of 10%). April 2015 on-wards the same shall become applicable for commercial & LT consumers also.

Incentives –

No open access charges for wheeling of solar power within the state.

No wheeling charges and T&D losses for solar captive generators.

Electricity Duty exempted for projects under the policy.

Banking facility (conditional) available for captive generators.

ANERT shall be the nodal agency for facilitating the provisions under the policy.